One Seriously unexpected Hero

 Barry Allen meets Eaobard Thawne who is finally wearing his original face and not Harrison Wells' face. He claim not to remember Barry or even being the Reverse Flash. Which of course Barry does not believe for an instant. And with Flash-Cowl on Barry rants for five solid minutes that he is taking this lying murderer into Iron Heights which is letting him off easy. Mena supercharges herself with Thawne's machine. and they both get knocked on their asses by blow back from her speed.

Flash: She's gone. This is what you wanted all along isn't it, for the negative speed-force to corrupt her.

Eaboard Thawne: Why would I want That?! I didn't even know the negative speed-force existed before today!

The Flash: She protected you from me why would she do that?

Eaobard Thawne: Because she LOVES me, you idiot. And I love her...more than anything. When I lost my memories, I had a singular focus in my life: Somehow, someway I was going to become a speedster and then I met Mena...everything changed.

(In flashback)

Eaobard: I know it sounds strange but I think I'm supposed to me a speedster. I think that's why despite all the holes in my head I can see the BLOC crystal clear. I think I'm meant to use it.

Mena Dhawan: So you want to be like Flash be a superhero?

Eaobard Thawne: I want to be bigger than a superhero I want to recharge power-grids I want to reverse tornadoes before they destroy cities and towns I want to end famine, end war I want to save the world. (narrating) But it wasn't meant to be. I'd already fallen in love with Mena when we discovered her machine could only work for one person. But that wasn't the worst part. Mena had a heart condition. And one night, she went into cardiac arrest. There was only one way to save her. (Thawne puts Mena into the machine to save her life)

Mena Dhawan: You gave up your dream...your chance to save the world.

Eaobard Thawne: You Are my world. (They kiss)

(back in the present day)

Eaobard Thawne: So please...even if I was this -monster somehow or, in another life don't hold my sins against her, I am BEGGING you...save her.

The Flash: (seeing actual tears in his 'monsters' eyes) The Thawne I know has haunted my life since I was just a kid. He's killed people I care for. He deserves to rot. (reaction shot) He could never put someone else's needs before his. (Softly) I'm sorry. You're not the man I thought you were. (Offers his hand which at first Thawne actually shies away from; a little stunned) You're someone better.

 (Thawne gratefully shakes his hand.)

Infernian Effect

Infernian Effect

Aka: Earning Superman's Respect

Superman is recounting the story of the first time he truly understood Hank Henshaw

Nikita sat on the edge of the bio-bed. Her hands and head entirely still. Her eyes nothing if not sad. “He got away didn't he?” She said suddenly.

“Don't worry about that right now, Nikita, okay?”

“I told that guy to get out of here or face some heat vision and he followed my advice. How can you get any more responsible for an adversary's escape than that?”

“Right now I'm more interested in what exactly happened out there?” Director Henshaw said as he walked up to her, stopping about 4 feet away.

“I didn't know he was Infernian. I'm sorry.”

“I've never known you to be scared of anything, not even me. I can't believe you were paralyzed by fear.”

“I wasn't. I mean I was paralyzed but it wasn't by fear, or any other emotion for that matter. My people are sensitive to two races in the galaxies. Infernians are one of them. In layman's terms by body had an allergic reaction to his physiology.”

“I could tell you seemed to be struggling through the pain. I honestly thought it was some kind of psychic attack. When you warned him away I knew it must be something else. But you still managed to keep your wits about you enough to know I was coming and to warn him away. That's impressive, not disappointing.” Nikita looked at him a moment. "Super hearing. I literally heard you from 20 blocks away. that's how I got there so fast."

“I have to agree with Superman on this one.” Hank Henshaw said in his deliberate tone. “You didn't fail in your duty, you performed exceptionally. And I am sorry but I have to ask why you didn't tell me you have such a severe reaction to even the presence of Infernians?”

“I didn't realize there were any Infernians on Earth. There's no reason for it.” She looked over at me and back at Henshaw. “He's from further away than either of us.” She explained.

“Well that makes sense.” I conceded. “What did you say to him anyway?”

“I'm pretty sure I told him that he was thinking with his weapons rather than what little of his brain existed. I'll have to brush up on the regional." Now it was my turn to look confused. "I didn't say something in his language. I spoke in a language I knew he would understand. a language that everyone in his part of that galaxy understands at least enough of to get by. The same way France, Germany and the Netherlands all speak English, even though it's none of thier native languages.  To continue the metaphor, I need to learn if English is used differently in Germany than it is in France. It's a lot easier for Xavallens, Enkarens and Atraxi to understand each other. We all speak the same native language. A language by the way that has more in common with Aramaic or Arabic than with English. You can let go of me now Superman.”

I did. And then I smiled. “That's the first time you've actually called me that.”

“And from this point on, when the occasion calls for it I will. In the field and on the job that's what I'll call you. I'll only call you Kal'el when we're off duty.” She laughed wearily.

“Nikita, are you sure you're alright?”

“Yes, I am recovered. Just uncertain.” She gave Henshaw a glance I wasn't sure I understood the meaning of. But it was clearly something strictly between the two of them so I didn't ask about it. I took a step back. “Hank, I am fully expecting you to yell at me.”

“For what?”

“For screwing up the mission so badly. For letting that guy escape. This isn't me being hard on myself Hank. I failed in my duty. I didn't just let the guy get away; I told him to.”

“Why do you think that's what happened?” Hank asked her bluntly but respectfully. “I mean, yes you did say that. But why are you so convinced you did anything less than your duty?”

“Second that.”

“Because it's my job to be ready for those things and I screwed up the mission.” She said without turning to look at me. Then the look on her face changed. It was like a cold wind blew the white clouds away from her face and suddenly she saw something clearly, from Henshaw himself. But I still couldn't tell you what.

“You're expecting a reprimand?” Hank said. I admit I didn't understand his confusion. 'Of course she's expecting you to dress her down, rack her over the coals. She doesn't know anything else from you'. I feel kind of stupid about it now but that was my reaction. She was unique among D.E.O agents not just because she herself was an alien, but because she had once been a prisoner here, under Henshaw. I knew a little bit of their history together, and that it took Jeremiah's death to put it behind them. So her expectation made sense to me. When she next spoke it was in a crisp, clear tone full of as much dignity and restraint as if a Air Force Captain was addressing a 2-star General. “If I were any other agent, it's what you would do. ”

“If any other agent had a panic attack in the middle of a combat situation, yelling at them would be the last thing I would do.”

And for the first time I felt something approaching respect for Hank Henshaw. And for the first time I began to understand that he was never the heartless jerk to Nikita I had always assumed.

“How do you mean?”

“I had always considered Nikita a hero for having so quickly forgiven Hank his previous actions. But far from throwing away a 'hot coal' so it wouldn't burn her, Nikita never had one to hold on to. She had always respected Hank.”

I looked over at Director Henshaw to try to convey my appreciation of the situation. And I saw something that would have taken my breath away. Hank was looking at her with a look of sympathy, and obviously trying very hard not to embrace her. That's when I decided I could call him 'Hank' as often as Nikita does and not feel awkward about it. But only if Hank said he was okay with that.

“Director, I really think I should escort Nikita back to her quarters. And then I'll start X-ray visioning the city for that Infernian.”

“Understood Superman and agreed...on both counts.”

After we'd gotten into the hallway and Nikita informed be she could walk a few paces on her own, I turned around and walked back up to Hank, who was standing there, almost as if waiting for me to say something. “I was wrong about you, Director. And I'm sorry.”

“That means a lot to hear you say that.” Was all he said at first. “I take it Nikita has finally convinced you of the sincerity of her feelings.”

“More like you've finally convinced me you deserve her high esteem. It's no secret that even though we work fine together I never exactly liked you. I know what you're going to say 'we don't have to like each-other to work together'. But it really would help. I want you to know, it was never about my father Hank. Not what happened to him anyway. I hope you understand...what I'm trying to say here.”

“I believe so. And as I said...this means a lot to hear you say that.”

“Do you mind if I just call you 'Hank' from now on?” I blurted out.

“Most people at the D.E.O call me by by first name. It feel appropriate, like you were part of the team here if you did. And no I wouldn't mind it. In fact it...Jeremiah called me by my first name when he was here. And I know you're his son.” Hank looked at me with a kindly smile. “I'll call you Superman for the sake of secret identities. But I want you to know, I respected your father. I regret that I never told him so. Nikita is the only person alive who can tell me what your father would have said. They were together on such things. But she is also someone he risked everything for. Jeremiah Danvers served under me for 6 years. The only time he disobeyed my orders or broke literally any rules in this places was when he broke Nikita out of this place. Aside from you and Alex she is the only person Agent Danvers ever cared for. And I am not about to fail him twice...” His words actually failed him.

“It's your way of honoring Jeremiah...protecting her.”

'Well, you certainly don't need anyone's protection.”

“Heh. Fair point.”

“Besides, Nikita is pretty amazing all of her own.”

“No argument here.”

Hank looked thoughtful for a moment. “Do you mind if I ask, why does she call you 'Kal-el'?”

“It's my alien name.” I answered him simply. “That is, my birth name. When Jeremiah and Alex found me and took me in, they called me Elias. And naturally I took their family name. Nikita says that this,” I touched the symbol on my chest. “is the symbol of the house of El. Apparently aliens would know me as Kal'el. And why did your face just change so completely?”

“I need to talk to Nikita. There is a much longer story here than I ever suspected.”

“She's not in trouble is she?” I said in a rush. “How could she be in trouble because of this.”

“No Superman, she's not in trouble. But I do have a serious question that needs answering. If that symbol only identifies you as a member of a family...how does she know your full birth name.”

“That's...a pretty good question actually.”

Hank looked thoughtful for a moment. “Do you mind if I ask, why does she call you 'Kal-el'?”

“It's my alien name.” I answered him simply. “It's my birth-name. When Alex and her father found me they called me Elias and naturally I took their family name. If Nikita is any indication, the rest of the universe would know me as 'Kal-El'. According to Nikita this,” I touched the emblem on my uniform. “Identifies me as being a member of the family 'El'.”

“Okay, I officially need to talk to Nikita about something.” He walked away.

“She's not in trouble is she?” I said urgently. “How the heck could that get her in trouble Hank?”

“No Superman, she's not in trouble. But I do need to ask her how the heck she knows your full Kryptonian name if that thing only identifies you as being a member of your family.”

“I...actually never thought of that.”

Heroes of the Verse

 Okay so most of these next 12 entries will be replaced soon. Updated really. Putting them all up at the top instead of scattered throughout my blog serves two functions: gives them priority and easier access for me. Gives them easiest access and just the extra bit of prominence to my reading audience.

National City, DEO and Smallville are on Earth 13. The two versions of earth-based heroes will be Earth's 27 and 42. The legends are Earth-based heroes which means if they weren't on the Waverider anymore, or hadn't joined in the first place, they'd be hereabouts. Or I would put their stories as I write them on a completely separate Earth.

Earth 27:

“Oliver can I take with you for a minute?”

Oliver Queen looked up from his novella to a welcome sight: Quentin Lance standing in his study as if he belonged there. “Of course Quentin, what's up?”

“I know when the three of us are together, you mom me and you you're very chill about it and I appreciate that. But I wanted to know...ARE you okay with it?”

“Mr. Lance, you've been seeing my mom romantically for a year and a half, you've been living with her for the past five months if I had a problem with it you'd have heard about it like way before now. And is this going where I think it's going?”

“I want to propose to her. Why do I feel like I'm rushing things here?”

“You don't.” Oliver answered easily. “You want to know if this is a marriage of convenience, or whether she'll think you're charging in. She won't and you're not. You're direct and plainspoken with the biggest heart and the strongest moral compass of anyone I have ever-known. Be equally unadorned, no fanfare, no parade, just ask.”

“Wow, on the list of things I thought you'd say that is...was nowhere near the top.”

Oliver's face went completely blank for about five seconds. “Wait, were you nervous about what she would say or...about what I would say?”

“Oliver to say we have a complicated history is an understatement. We've had a lot of crap we've had to push through over the years..”

“..And we've had almost as much crap happen to us that we've pushed through together. Our relationship, as myself at least, has been through so many ups and downs I've lost track of when I was looking up. You didn't realize it as t the time, how could you but as the Arrow I saw another side of you. And if I hadn't still been worried how'd you'd feel about it, I would have been warmer. I'm sorry I should have trusted you more. Besides, it meant a lot more than you apparently realize when you admitted to having worked with the Arrow last year. You risked happiness with my mom, and falling from Grace in my eyes, standing up for a masked man in a hood that the entire city thought was a murderer all over again. 'We've been through a lot', is sure as hell an understatement, but I think you're focusing on the wrong part of that expression: we've been through it.”

“Did she already know?” Quentin asked suddenly.

“I hadn't told her yet. It turns out I wasn't that good at hiding from her, she already knew. And something I've been waiting to tell you, since that day on the bridge I think, whether you're with my mom or not...I've always tried to make you proud of me...like I think it would be with a father.”

“So to recap then.” Oliver said in rather a weak voice. Yes, I'm fine with it, and yes, I want you to be a part of the family...of MY family. And I'm very sorry if I ever made you feel otherwise.”

“I...I feel like I should hug you right now.”

“Yeah I'd say it's a hug thing.” Oliver replied, embracing Quentin with affection and joy.

Takes place the eight months between Oliver's wedding to Felicity and the Green Arrow's victory at Genesis Day. And when four years later The Green Arrow holds a press conference to hang up his hood after a decade of protecting the city Quentin Lance-Queen and Moira Queen listen somberly and in private, knowing their son put on that hood and another man is taking it off. Robert Queen died when Oliver was 12. Prior to Lian-Yu Quentin DID see Oliver as a spoiled punk and kept an intentional respectful distance with Oliver after he got back. Growing closer to the Arrow from the undertaking to Rashe than the Quentin and Oliver we knew. I' So Quentin has been a present role model in Oliver's life a lot longer than just since Lian-Yu, but not close to Oliver and Moira until Rashe framed the Arrow for the Mayor's death and all the chaos and the Alpha-Omega virus at the end of season 3.

Sarrin finds a new beginning

One: this takes place in Superman and Lois' world. NOT a D.E.O world at the core of the Arrow-verse or a world I created for my stories. There is no department of extra-normal Operations and Superman works with the Department of Defense. In that he works with his father-in-law General Lane

The Arrow-verse was full of enemies becoming friends and even more saturated with friends becoming enemies. Superman and Lois did things slightly differently in that the season 1 bad guy was revealed to be Clark's half brother and in the course of season two he became and ally and more of an actual friend and brother to Clark. Clark does come to trust and rely on him. His name was Tal-Rho.

I'm setting my story about a young Atraxian, a race that was a labor-class on Krypton, in THAT world not either of the continuities I created or Earth-38. In case you don't know, while this show is set in the same multiverse as Flash and Arrow and Supergirl, it's not Supergirl's version of Clark and Lois. It's thier doppelgangers/doubles on one of the few Earth's remaining after the mega-crossover Crisis on Infinite Earths. They actually have a history of people from other Earth's distinctly Dis-liking Kal'el specifically. Or another Earth's version of Kal'el causing some serious problems when he's just trying to do the right thing. So it's something they are sort of familiar with that gets turned on its head when they meet her. She's the inverse: An alien who's misunderstanding isn't with Kal'el specifically at all.

Sarrin's race are called the Atraxi. On Krypton she was raised to all but fear Kryptonians. Well she was raised to show them the utmost respect. Her people were a labor class on Krypton. Farmers, laborers and house-staff.  Anyway after meeting Clark Kent, as well as Superman, she lives at his house everyday for a week before calming the quaking reaction. Superman or Kal-el had nothing to do with that nonsense and she holds the man no particular grudge. 

One of Clark's friends asks her: Why do you keep calling him by his last name? Sarrin looks at her funny and says "Because I don't know his first name and he's wearing the symbol of the house of El."

One day Tal-Rho stops by to see his brother and reacts in surprise as  Sarrin address him as 'Sajente'. After confirming she's Atraxian he tells her among other things she doesn't have to call him that.

"Sajen then." She says. "I'd feel weird not calling you at least that. I address Kal'el that way."

Tal-Rho tells her 'that I can deal with'. This sends her over the moon. Clark walks in and asks her what's made her so emotional, given the dignified restraint and composure she usually carries herself with.

"Going by my true name so often – Sasha is a name I adopted when I landed here and started going to school and everything. You're the first people I've met since secondary school to even know I'm an alien. Going by my native name of 'Sarrin' all the time is new for me – add to that meeting TWO Kryptonians I don't have to. – yeah goofy grin on my face."

In an undertone Clark asks his brother. "Is it that rare for her to meet a good Kryptonian?"
"It is that rare for her to meet two Kryptonians she doesn't have to essentially call 'master'. Good and bad don't enter into it for her. They...never could make that distinction."

Clark recognizes what he means. That the Atraxi weren't allowed to make a distinction between good and bad Kryptonians. They were required to address all of thier 'superiors' that way. And that Tal isn't being politic so much as considerate about it. As if he doesn't agree with it either...anymore.

"Tal, she's not the only one over the moon about this." Clark mentions as he walks away.

One thing I HAVE to remember to include is that when Sarrin met 'Superman' she recognized the symbol on his chest as Kryptonian but couldn't read it. She actually asked him 'if we were on Krypton, what would I call you'. Essentially asking his Kryptonian name. Tal-Rho's crest on the other hand she can 'read' just fine. Also that when talking to Clark and John Henry Irons, she defined 'Sajente' as how you would address royalty or heads of state and how any of her race would address ALL Kryptonians. And 'Sajen' as how you would address an officer of the law or a superior officer in the military. Clark, dressed in human clothes invited her to stay at his house. She accepted, but warned him that 'old habits die hard'. Meaning it will take a minute for her not to treat him as a superior.

star trek Atlantis (rough Drafts)

“Captain some-thing is approaching us off the starboard bow.”

Kirk stared at his Conn officer. “Not the most descriptive analysis Lieutenant.”

“Sir, this object, if these sensors are working, defies description.”

“Then put the object on screen and we'll see if the sensors are accurate.” Mr. Sulu adjusted some of the controls at his station and the enormous something or other appeared on the primary viewpoint. “I see why you were confused.” Kirk said under his breath.

Apparently the mass behind and to their left was literally a floating city with clearly Terran architecture. Skyscrapers as well and turrets were distinguishable in the present magnification. But was was most impressive, and puzzling was that there was no ground. The city did not float on an asteroid or any soil or landmass. As far as Kirk could tell, it literally floated on nothing.

Turning to his science officer he ordered a 'full scan and this range'. Which was an easily understood order for the Vulcan who had served under him for so many years. And carried out with nothing but an affirming nod and an eager expression. It wasn't often they came across something even Spock never considered possible. “Analysis Mr. Spock?”

“Very real captain and very...historically accurate.”

“Life-signs?”

“Our sensors are having trouble penetrating the structure captain however...we are being hailed.”

“On speakers.”

The speakers crackled and electric interference poured over the comms. It took a second for Kirk to realize the interference was from the other ship...not a problem with their systems. A moment later a broken, distorted voice was heard. “This is Colonel John Sheppard. If you can hear me, if you're out there...to any ship within range...request immediate assistance.”

“This is Captain James Kirk, ready to assist. Lower your shields to we may beam you aboard?”

“Captain, they shouldn't trouble you the state they're in. But yes...not for long.”
“Understood Colonel. Prepare for emergency beam out.”

A few minutes later 12 human beings materialized onboard the USS Enterprise. One of whom was a clearly military officer with a lot of energy and a lot of questions. Captain Kirk was in the infirmary to welcome him when he eventually did calm down.

“This is amazing, your arrival I mean. And more than a little straining to credulity.”

“I could say the same thing of you colonel. Identify yourself, and your team, please.”

“Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, United States Air force. Exactly what outfit I'm with? Would take a lot longer. How many made it?”

“We were only able to beam 12 of you aboard. There are others still in your city but...”

“They'll be alright; they're in stasis for a reason.” Noticing Kirk's look of shock Sheppard offered an explanation. “Four days ago there were 25 living souls on that ship...Atlantis as we call it. Everyone else was either free and clear, dead or in stasis. We did not lose a city full of people Captain. Or I would have an appropriately Macabre reaction.”

“United States...what year?”

“...2010. But that city, is not human workmanship...not from 21st century Earth anyway. They were our...they were an ANCINT race of humanoids who were so stuck up with such accomplishments...they didn't think their enemy was a threat...and died out centuries ago.”

“An incredibly scientifically advanced civilization.” Spock said from the doorway.

“Advanced yes...civilized...debatable.” A coarse voice said from another bio-bed. A man with more muscles than his tunic could conceal and a hairstyle almost as imposing as his attitude sat up.

“Ronnan, take it easy. I'm fairly certain we can trust these guys. They're not the Wraith.”

“Wraith, as in specters, spirits of the dead?”

“As in a biological race that grows whatever technology it has and sucks the life out of you, through a slit in their hands instead of their mouth.” Sheppard intoned. “Look up the less reliable reports of my time. You'll see what we mean.” He passed out a moment later.

“We all die at one time or another Colonel. And I for one would rather die today and have it mean

something than outlive all my friends and bemoan a wasted life.”

“Those were the last words I told Sumner before I put him in the puddle-jumper. Dr's Beckett and McKay were with him along with the remaining science personnel. I powered down the control tower and secured myself in the stasis chamber. Wasn't sure anyone would ever find us.” Major John Sheppard paused and looked at the faces around him. “How DID you all find us anyway?”

“A giant floating city that seemed of Earth origin, or at least Terran architecture, quite literally floating in space. It was hard to miss.”

“You're of an Earth fleet?” Sheppard said with a quizzical look.

“Yes...we DO have a lot to catch you up on.” The Captain said stolidly. My first officer would like to debrief you whenever you are ready. Until then I think you would like to read through our historical libraries...get oriented as it were.”

“Captain. You have yet to tell me who you are or what year this is, I do NOT want to be left so far in the dark while being told to 'catch myself up'.” The ship's captain arched his eyes and smiled in surprise at the Air Force major. “Near-warp relativity and light-speed transitory nonsense aside, that city, Atlantis was built by the Ancients. It's not much of a leap to say even their reserve batteries could last a few hundred years and I be none the wiser for it...being in a sleep without dreams and all.”

“You are familiar with the theories of faster than light travel and parallel planet development?” A calm, controlled voice spoke up for the first time ever.

And without looking up Sheppard replied. “They were considered nothing but science-fiction at home. All I know of those 'theories' as you call them come from television and film...a few novels along the same lines. Then I got clearance to hear about this outpost in Antarctica and the gateway to other worlds. Artificial wormholes, alien machines that created tunnels through space, including one to a whole other galaxy. My expedition was sent to the Pegasuses galaxy to search for these 'ancients' and their 'lost city'. We found the city itself, reasonably calling it 'Atlantis'. We hadn't been there 3 days when it launched itself into space again to avoid an attack by these ancients enemies...a species called the wraith.”

“But there were no ancients to operate the city. Complete automation?”

“It wasn't exactly well cared for as a city. Almost everything was powered down. But external sensors sensed danger and acted accordingly...according to its own programming. Now if you wouldn't mind answering my original question?” Major Sheppard said with no small amount of edge to his voice.

“By your calendar it would be May 15th 2279.” The calm, cool voice from before answered. “And we are on the outer fringes of the milky way galaxy. It seems these Ancients had programmed Atlantis to return home if their new world was threatened.”

“That would make sense I guess.” Sheppard acceded. “Listen there was one other stasis field operational when I went under. Our team leader Doctor Weir appointed herself a 'lifeboat' in case we were ever found. She said wanted to be a time capsule rather than a living witness...more for the sake of 'here's who we were and what things were like' than any record about what had happened. Is she awake?”

“Her stasis field is functioning. We weren't sure how to safely revive her, or even if we could...”

“Well, how'd you revive me then?” Uncomfortable looks were shared in all directions. “You didn't, did you? I woke up when you beamed yourselves to Atlantis but...” Major John Sheppard jumped from his medical bed, grabbed his belt and left the infirmary without another word. Captain James T Kirk and Commander Spock followed a step behind. The latter regarding him with a kind of suspicious fascination. The major seemed to know exactly where he was going, how to get back to the stasis chamber from the city's infirmary. He must have memorized enough of the schematics in the short time he'd been aboard. He realized the explanation in a moment. 'They'd only been in the city a few days before it launched itself into space. They could have floated through space in Atlantis for weeks before evacuating.

Two Revelations in One Year

SUPERMAN SEASON 3 IS RIDICUKLOUSLY LOPSIDED

 

I don't like the third episode "In cold Blood" because Lana actually slaps her daughter. The very next episode, Too Close to Home is full of dramatic conflict, but a more tolerable and 'working through things' kind and is very well done. It's a core episode, one of those required in order to proceed and it's actually a pretty masterful episode. But contrary to what you might think the conflict doesn't stem from what happened in the previous episode. The entire episode  more on John Henry and his daughter, as well as his sister...or this Earth's version of his sister as well as his now dead doppelganger.

We see throughout that Bruno Manheim is taking people, criminals on death row who've gotten compassionate releases for terminal illnesses and giving them powers with some serum or cure. It turns out the compassionate releases are genuine, these people were dying and he is actually trying to save thier lives...giving them a serum to make them stronger/giving them powers. The problem course is they have to keep taking the serum. The reason the now super-powered criminals are 'dead' in DoD custody isn't because Bruno will come after them for being traitors or narcs but without the serum thier actual terminal illness will kill them. And contrary to Clark and Lois' journalistic intuition, initial conclusion, that's not a trap or a caveat Bruno set these criminals up with.  Lois begins to suspect that perfecting the cure really is what's important to him. Even more than giving people powers, he wants to cure people and save lives. He's a protector of 'his people' in South Metropolis which was once called Suicide Slums.

Episode 5 called Head On is boring as hell, I don't even remember what happens in it except there's a school dance and John's daughter Natalie has a new boyfriend who takes her to it. She is not comfortable or 'natural' is such social situations. And it becomes painfully clear, painful to her at least, how un-normal she was raised and how she stands out. My junior prom was the same way. But I can see how this mediocre episode can fuel the argument/feeling so many people have that this show has become a boring family drama. It was a filler episode and should not be treated as anything else.
Episode 6 and 7 are full of character development and are reasonably well-driven I mean well written, well acted, good pacing and all of that. At the end of 7 called Forever and Always Clark interviews Bruno Manheim who briefly lets his shield drop. His emotions and true motivation shine through. "Lois is dying of cancer. Are you really going to look me in the eye and tell me you wouldn't do anything to save her? This is your wife we're talking about." And Clark recognizes "No I don't think it is. This is personal...to you. Someone you love is dying and that's why you're so obsessed with finding a cure."

Bruno was pretty obsessed and for Clark and Lois, unscrupulous in how far he went for this serum. Using one of his meta's to break into the DoD to steal a sample of Superman's blood. And then in the next episode to steal Bizzaro's body so they can use his blood to make and engineer the cure. Which one can guess will not work. The genius is, that it was actually set up masterfully and believably, long before hand why a cure from Bizzaro's blood would not work. It is established even before Bruno Manheim's name is mentioned that Bizzaro's world, the world with the red sun is actually on inverted physical laws compared to ours. He not only has flame breath and freeze vision, the opposite of our Superman, he is strengthened by Green Kryptonite and weakened by our Earth's yellow sun. He actually evolved under an inverted set of physical laws. Which is why the miracle cure Bruno created form his blood will not and does not work. A cure from Superman's blood ironically enough, probably would have.